Amos then encountered opposition from the religious and political powers. This was nothing new, and the prophets of the Old Testament regularly encountered opposition from the powers that be. This, of course, continued, with John the Baptist, Jesus and the apostles.
Amos was accused of raising a conspiracy among the people. The prophet was seen as executing his own agenda and seeking to upset the current political status quo. Now, how accurate was this claim? At one level it was nonsense, for Amos was in no way seeking to further his own ends, but was acting as the servant of God. But at another level it was partly right, for the word of God does strike at the foundations of current power structures. Men build their own little kingdoms, seeking to enhance their own power and influence. This doesn't just apply to leaders (whether religious, political, economic or whatever), but to all mankind. For the human condition is to seek to want to live life on our own terms. The word of God comes in and says (i) we cannot do this; (ii) it is leading to disaster; (iii) it will incur the wrath of God; and (iv) we can only live life on God's terms, not our own. So God's word sharply reminds us of these truths and truly does seek to upset "normal" life. In New Testament times the claim that Jesus is Lord struck at the heart of the Roman Empire.
Jeroboam sought to scare Amos off, telling him to get back to Judah and keep out of Israel. Amos responded by declaring even more judgement, and judgement personally affecting Jeroboam. It was the word of Amos that came to pass.
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